Extract

Regional summary

The New Zealand Drought Index for the Auckland Region has risen sharply to Extremely Dry. Regional monthly rainfall for January was very low, approximately 15% of the long-term average. Soil moisture has dropped at many sites, with status currently ranging from Normal to Very Low. River flows have dropped across the region and 14 are below the mean annual low flow (MALF), 12 of which are below 85% MALF. Groundwater levels vary across the region but have dropped at many locations. Many sites in the deep aquifers in the south of the region are at a Very Low status. ...

February 2022